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Australian Farmers Combine Sheep and Sun
22 Feb
Summary
- Sheep grazing under solar panels improves wool quality.
- Solar farms provide a more consistent income than agriculture.
- Agrivoltaics integrate farming with renewable energy generation.
Australian farmers are merging traditional sheep farming with the burgeoning renewable energy sector, a practice known as agrivoltaics. On farms near Dubbo, sheep graze under thousands of solar panels, providing shade and consistent access to high-quality grass. This environment enhances the wool produced by the sheep, leading to cleaner fleece and a notable increase in wool revenue.
This dual-use approach is proving more lucrative than conventional farming alone, offering farmers a substantial income boost. As of February 2026, this integration is becoming standard practice on new solar farms across New South Wales, demonstrating a shift away from separating agricultural land use from solar development. The nation is committed to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
Experts note that such initiatives are crucial for demonstrating to the community that farmers can remain productive while hosting renewable energy projects. The combination of solar power generation and agriculture showcases a viable path forward, supporting Australia's ambitious goals to transition towards becoming a renewable energy superpower and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
